Canada to Expand Support of Training Initiatives and Academic Awards for Russia
Prime Minster Jean Chrétien today announced expanded Canadian support of the Yeltsin Democracy Fellowship (YDF) Foundation which will bring 500 Russians to Canada over the next five years for customized business management training with Canadian private companies. The Prime Minister made the announcement while on an official visit to Russia.
"Canada is proud to assist Russia in making the transition to a market-based economy," said Mr. Chrétien. "To make the transition a success, Russia needs qualified people who can steer the process along and build a strong private-sector base which will reap benefits for all."
The Yeltsin Democracy Fellowship was created by Canada in 1992. The Canadian government provided financing for a $20 million trust fund, which is managed by the University of Saskatchewan, enabling the foundation to place Russian professionals, primarily in the public sector, with agencies ranging from the Bank of Canada, Department of Finance, the Supreme Court and various financial institutions in order to familiarize them with the workings of a market economy. To date, 140 Russians have trained in Canada for periods of one week to two months.
The Prime Minister also announced funding for four annual graduate scholarships for Russia under the Government of Canada Awards programme. The Government of Canada Awards are open to talented scholars in all fields of academic study.
"It is particularly significant for Canada to grant these scholarships to Russia as the Government of Canada Awards traditionally have been offered to Canada's partners in the Summit process," Prime Minister Chrétien said. "The extension to Russia reflects Canada's support for Russian status as a full member of the Summit of the Eight (G-8)."
Their extension of these awards to Russia will also raise the profile of Canada's academic institutions in Russia, which is now a growing source of foreign students for Canada.
PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555